Nishiki Market, Kyoto

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Shopkeepers at the Nishiki Food Market rise early to sell fish, meat, dried foods, side dishes, yuba (tofu skin), and Kyoto vegetables on the 400 meter path from Teramachi to Takakura. The market is sometimes known as the "Kitchen of Kyoto."

We had a blast here tried a bunch of different types off food ... grilled, fried, steamed ..... but be warned ....you can spend some serious cash here if you don't watch how much your spending ... 300 yens here, 300 yens there next thing you know you spent 3,000 yens like I did about $40 US dollars !!!! wow !!!!!

Regardless it was a great place to visit and shop owners were extremely friendly ... we had a great time here .....

Also try to eat and one of the many little restaurants here at the market the food doesn't get any fresher ...

The Nishiki Market is where many Kyoto residents come to purchase fresh fish, seafood, meats, vegetables, and other goods. There are a few souvenir shops with some nice handicrafts, as well. The shops are all local and many have been run in the same family for generations.

The shopping arcades of Teramachi around the market sort of take away some of the appeal of the Nishiki Market, in my opinion. the market is really quite old and has a lot of history, but it has sort of been swallowed by all of the modern shopping centers in the area.

With that said, none of the shops from the arcade have infiltrated the market itself; the market is still a market and the shops within it are still local. It's just the surrounding Teramachi shops and arcades and even the modern roof above that seem to kill a lot of what would have made it interesting. It's not really a must-see, but if you are in the area and have some time, it is nice to browse. And unless you decide to buy something, it's free.

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Nishiki Market provides you shopping options for local delicacies, desserts, seafood and vegetables in a narrow street with more than 100 shops. This market has a history of several centuries and many stores are being operated by same families for generations. The shops are open between 9 am and 6 pm.

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You have to visit this 'kawaii' (means cute) market selling mouthwatering delicacies and great value souvenir. Make sure go in early morning as everything is fresh and less people.

What to see:
- Varieties of mouth watering Sushi and Sashimi
Sweet smelling barbeques
Colourful cakes and 'mochi'
Rare and traditional preserved vegetables
Live seacreatures

Admission Free

If you are interested in seeing all the really weird and wonderful foods that are required for cooking in Kyoto, this is the place to go! It's especially a good way to spend a rainy day as it's roofed over or if you are fed up with temple hopping.
Don't forget your camera!

Be sure not to miss the great Market in Kyoto. You can get almost everything from vegetables, fish, meat and other stuff.

Wander down Nishiki-koji market street
400 meter long covered market street. You MUST try the soy-milk soft-serve, or a rice-flour bean cake, buy some green tea...